Following the Webinar, the presentation team felt there were some issues/questions that deserved a bit more explanation and information. In addition, for those of you who view the archived Webinar and develop questions of your own, please submit them to Kim Cassel (Kim.Cassel@SDSTATE.EDU) or Abigail Borron (aborron@purdue.edu). They will be answered and added to this list:

Who should Extension partner with for H1N1 educational efforts? (added 8/27/09)

The lead agency for H1N1 human health concerns is the local or state public health department. They are directed to take the lead in any human health effort for H1N1. If animals are involved, the state Department of Agriculture, or State Ministry of Agriculture, will take on a lead role. Depending on the severity of an outbreak, state and local emergency management may be involved as well. Extension is encouraged to support and follow the efforts of these lead agencies and, more importantly, partner in planning and implementing educational efforts at the state and local levels.

At the county level, it is important to note that Extension may be identified in the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) which may identify a specific function for Extension. If they have not done so already, county Extension professionals are encouraged to contact their local EMA to find out how Extension may have already been identified in their CEMP.

Other potential partners at the local level would include local elected officials, human service agencies, human service providers, and health care providers. Other secondary groups that may be potential partners include schools, day care facilities, business and industry, faith-based groups and social groups. In most situations, communications will be critical and Extension can help facilitate interagency communication and coordination.

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